With Latest Downtown Move, is UCF About to Absorb Valencia College?

The University of Central Florida is looking to expand downtown Orlando with the view to creating greater educational opportunities for students, UCF President John Hitt announced Tuesday.

Hitt, who spoke at a breakfast meeting of community and business leaders said, UCF’s plans could be a “game changer” for downtown, helping to stimulate the area.

“Today, through another bold collaboration, we explore a vision for UCF in Orlando that could energize downtown and redefine its future,” he said.

Valencia College will partner in the UCF expansion and between the two instituions approximately 10,000 students could study downtown.

It is not yet clear which academic programs would be offered downtown, but Hitt said, the university will continue to discuss this with staff and faculty members going forward.

Also unclear is the timing for the move downtown Orlando. However, according to reports, UCF is looking at the Creative Village area downtown Orlando. Both UCF and Valencia have committed to working closely with the Parramore community and the new K-8 school that’s in the works.

“Valencia and UCF desire to be vital forces for improving the lives and livelihoods of the residents who live nearby,” Hitt said.

President of Valencia College, Sandy Shugart, praised the proposed expansion saying, “We are just delighted to be a part of this exciting new project in downtown Orlando.”